ISIS executes dozens of civilians, seals off mosque preparing for final showdown in Mosul

Islamic State (ISIS) militants allegedly executed at least 47 civilians on Wednesday after they attempted to flee from the extremist group's captivity in Mosul, Iraq. Meanwhile, security strikes in the region killed another 16 civilians, according to local residents.

The militants reportedly executed seven members of a family earlier on Wednesday, Shafaaq News website quoted locals as saying. Reports state that the civilians were attempting to flee their homes in Mashahda region towards areas held by Iraqi security troops.

Nivenah police official captain Mohamed al-Jeheishi said that intelligence information revealed that 47 people, mainly women, children and elders, were caught by ISIS trying to flee al-Shefa district towards security-controlled areas, and were later executed.

ISIS extremists also reportedly executed nine of its senior comrades West of Mosul on the backdrop of the group's defeats to the Iraqi Army troops and allied militias, an army officer told BasNews. The officer also added that the comrades were of Arab and Western nationalities, including a Russian, a Britain and a Turk.

Iraqi Army, backed by the United States forces, had launched an offensive against ISIS in Mosul last year. Mosul is one of the last strongholds of the extremist group in Iraq.

ISIS is entering its last stages of the battle with Iraqi Army. According to locals, the group has closed the streets around Mosul's Grand al-Nuri Mosque.Iraqi News reports state that ISIS black flag has been flying since the militants captured Mosul and seized swathes of Iraq and Syria in the summer of 2014. Many ISIS militants were reportedly seen taking up positions in the past 48 hours around the mosque, the site where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared an Islamist caliphate in July 2014.

Iraqi News reports state that ISIS black flag has been flying since the militants captured Mosul and seized swathes of Iraq and Syria in the summer of 2014. Many ISIS militants were reportedly seen taking up positions in the past 48 hours around the mosque, the site where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared an Islamist caliphate in July 2014.